Hamilton claims that talk of sealing title in Austin is "silly"

Lewis Hamilton says that he is not thinking about sealing the 2017 world championship this weekend. The Briton will clinch his fourth title this weekend if he wins the race, and title rival Sebastian Vettel finishes lower than sixth place.

Holding a 59 point advantage, the 32-year-old claims that he is not contemplating the title, believing any current talk of it to be "silly". With Mercedes also hoping to claim the constructor's title this weekend, Hamilton reckons that rivals Ferrari will be strong.

"Talk of the championship win here is silly really," he said. "Sebastian, you cannot expect him to have a difficult weekend, they are going to be quick. He has been strong all year. He has had a few technical issues, but the car is as good as it has always been.

"For sure, they will be strong this weekend and the last four races. That is why nothing changes. I have to continue to keep the pressure on. There is no reason to back out, I have to keep pushing forward. The championship - as long as it is done in the last four races that is my focus.

"I honestly don't care if it is here or the last race, as long as it is done," he added. "I think winning [the race] here is the most important thing for me - particularly in the midst of all that is going on in the country. That is a priority for me."

No plans to 'take the knee'

Hamilton has also been vocal around the recent NFL controversy in the US, with many players choosing to 'take the knee' before the American national anthem. When questioned if he was considering taking the knee on Sunday, the three-time world championship denied that he had any plans.

"I don’t really have a position, and I don’t have any plans. Of course there has been a lot of mention of it – not of kneeling, just the whole situation – and I know a lot of people here in America, both black and white people who live in America.

"So I get quite a good view of what is happening here and opinions here in the States about the movement which I think is pretty huge. I’ve posted about it because I respect it highly and I find the movement that Kaepernick started is awesome. I’m very much in support of it. I am here to win, and that is part of my priority at the moment and what I am focused on at the moment."

 

Fergal Walsh

Replies (1)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
China
4 - Apr 6 2025
Japan
11 - Apr 13 2025
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America
16 - May 18 2025
Italy
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco
30 - Jun 1 2025
Spain
13 - Jun 15 2025
Canada
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27 2025
Belgium
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5 2025
Singapore
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America
24 - Oct 26 2025
Mexico
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
Qatar
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18 2025
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1 2025
13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27 2025
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5 2025
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26 2025
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30 2025
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Ferrari
  • Points 3,533
  • Podiums 132
  • Grand Prix 232
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Jan 7 1985 (41)
  • Place of b. Tewin, GB
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.74 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar